The year 2023 proved amazing to cinephiles. It was the year when nearly every genre fan got something special including barbie. Action fans were blessed with sequels to the John Wick and Mission Impossible Franchises; superhero fans got Spider-Man Across the Spiderverse and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, while science fiction lovers enjoyed the Oppenheimer. However, one thing that most fans weren’t ready for and weren’t expecting was the global phenomenon Barbie movie was to be.
Barbie (2023), directed by the acclaimed Greta Gerwig, has been one of the year’s most anticipated movies. It was the talk of the town, with followers spreading memes and posts talking about it pre-release. You might remember the “Barbenhimer” trend that happened that year, based on the movie releasing on the same day as Christoper Nolan’s masterpiece Oppenheimer. While it was a well-awaited movie, how well was it received by fans? That’s the question we want to answer. Let’s review the different aspects of Barbie to see if it was a hit or a miss.
Cast
- Margot Robbie as Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as Ken
- America Ferrera as Gloria
- Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha
- Rhea Perlman as Ruth Handler, creator of the character
Plot
The movie starts in the world of land, where (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) live in a utopian society dominated by women. However, Barbie begins to experience never before happening existential thoughts and physical changes, like her feet touching the ground. She ventures into the real world to resolve her issues, accompanied by Ken. The real world isn’t what Barbie envisioned, as patriarchal norms govern it. On the other hand, Ken finds it all appealing and brings back what he learned about the real world to Barbieland, causing chaos. It’s now upto character to set things right, while also coming to terms with what she is and what she wants to be.
Trailer
Movie Review by Audience
The audience reviews for the movie are mixed, reflecting a wide range of opinions and expectations.
One reviewer commented that the whole feminist messaging was too on the face, feeling it overshadowed the plot. They appreciated the acting and set design but felt the film missed the mark on subtlety. Another viewer enjoyed the film’s aesthetic and humor but was disappointed by its heavy-handed approach to social commentary. They felt the film’s marketing misled its target audience.
A particularly harsh review criticized the film for its lack of engaging storytelling, calling it a waste of time despite Ryan Gosling’s stellar performance. In addition, another reviewer was saddened by the film’s portrayal of men and felt the ending was unfulfilling. However, they praised the film’s visual style.
However not all fans felt the same way. One fan appreciated the cast and set design, while another praised the choreography and costumes. In addition some fans even took to social media to explain to critics that they “missed” the deeper message that the character wanted to portray through the film.
Behind the Scenes
Greta Gerwig, known for her previous works like “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” brings her unique style to Barbie (2023). The movie’s set design is a visual treat, staying true to the Mattel vision with its pink, plastic perfection. The film’s choreography and musical numbers are reminiscent of classic Hollywood musicals, adding a layer of nostalgia.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s performances have been highly praised, with Robbie perfectly embodying the optimistic and multifaceted Barbie, while Gosling steals scenes with his portrayal of Ken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbie (2023) suitable for kids?
While the film is visually appealing to children, its themes and social commentary are more suited for older audiences.
What is the central theme of Barbie (2023)?
The film explores themes of gender roles, identity, and societal expectations, with a strong focus on feminist messages.
Does Barbie (2023) have any musical numbers?
Yes, the film features several musical numbers, adding to its nostalgic and campy appeal.
Is the movie faithful to the original Barbie brand?
While the film stays true to the visual aesthetics of the Barbie brand, it takes creative liberties to explore deeper social themes.
